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Hey, new guy here

8K views 52 replies 13 participants last post by  tkv000 
#1 ·
Hi everyone,

I'm new to Unimogs, but not offroading. I am very mechanically inclined and don't mind wrenching on a project(you have no idea). I am working on growing my family and having more seats and more room is moving on up the priority list for me. I also do a lot of heavier towing and am thinking about using the potential candidate 'Mog to help build a house up in the mountains in the near future. This is my current rig, which I am hoping the Unimog will replace:


















It is 2WD, I want 4WD. I also would like a crane and I have seen several mogs with them. My current rig is also "high speed challenged", so no worries there. It's a 10 speed with airbrakes and I used to drive semis once upon a time ago, so a large mog doesn't worry me in the least.

I have been looking mainly at the "square body" mogs out therein the 25 and older range, would like a Doka even though they are rare, and of course, have plenty of questions. So in no particular order, here goes:

-I know everyone on here recommends going through an importer or just buying a mog in the states. I definitely want to import. Being an avid DIY guy, I have urges to do it myself, but I will bow to your collective wisdom and forego that route. The one thing I would like to know is what the average importer charges. I am willing to pay for a service, but I want to gauge how reasonable it is. The state I live in shouldn't prove to be much of an issue with the DMV and I have dealt with them over the years with several "creative" vehicles with little to no issues.

-How long do the OM352's and 366's last? Are we talking semi-truck lifespans of 1,000,000 miles or more towards their smaller consumer diesel brethren like 200,000-400,000?

-If you were going to already import one of these(likely from Europe) what else would you have picked up in advance in the way of spares/accessories/mods/options/etc? As a sidenote, is there a good place or places that have these items readily available?

-Is there anything you have regarding lessons learned or things you would have done differently?

-I see three different lug patterns out there. Are there any hard and fast rules dictating which axle type has what bolt pattern and are any of those bolt patterns going to have weird, possibly expensive sized tires to worry about. Which size/pattern has the best options for tires I guess is what I am saying.


As another note, I work primarily in Afghanistan right now on a rotational basis, so stopping off in Europe on the way back and forth is definitely on the table. I would love to go see a potential mog(s) in person, but I want to go in there knowing the most I can in advance.
 

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#2 ·
Yee doggies that's a rig!

So to your questions:

Importers; its very helpful to have a local man who knows mogs looking at potential trucks on your behalf, Andy at VK Cars is high recommended by more than a few members here. Likewise dealing with the paperwork is a lot easier when you use a pro who also knows what mogs are, less hassles and time wasted.

Setup; "The Best Plan" is to identify what your dream rig is and then shop the market, aiming to get as close as you can. Some bits are relatively plentiful but others are rare and unique in any condition. Best to know what you want before you start hunting. Bringing in trucks with cranes or pumps or road building equipment will save a bundle on tarrifs and sometimes you can bring equipment in attached to your truck but destined for other people and have them chip in for shipping.

Shipping; if you go Ro-Ro you are limited to whats in or on the truck, if you go in a sea can the more you can fit in the can the better; they use volumetric weight to calculate your fee so if you can get the can just under gross and just under cube you pay less overall. If you flat rack it, they can't stack on it and so you pay more to make up the lost cubes on the boat but if your truck won't fit the can and can't ro-ro well its the only option.

Engines; in most mog cases engine hours are very important and the trucks past life can greatly effect what you end up buying. Being large and slop municiple and municiple like trucks they rack up far more hours than miles (km's) especially if they have a crane or a pump etc. The 352 and 366 are industrial duty engines and can & will live a very long time if maintained. DokaTD sourced up some very cost effective rebuild options which can take some of the fear out of engines of unknown condition.

Bolt patterns; the square bodied trucks are all generally referred to as SBU's which we colloquially call square body unimogs but they are in fact three separate but related families, the SBU being Schwere Baureihe Unimog or heavy build, the MBU being Mittlere Baureihe Unimog or middle build, the LBU being Leichte Baureihe Unimog or light build. All three families share a cab and a hood emblem but from there it gets weird, very weird. In short the light trucks have light axles, the medium trucks have medium or heavy axles and the heavy trucks have medium or heavy axles. 6 lug, 8 lug, 10 lug, 10 lug super heavy, different seat styles... best to identify your end state goal truck and then shop backwards otherwise you might find yourself building a tandem 10 lug axle 1300LL expedition end of the world camper because that's what you ended up with in terms of parts.

see http://www.benzworld.org/forums/unimog/1487258-sbu-mbu-nyu-fku-p-what.html for some more discussion. Also search for Beef or Meat Eaters
 
#10 ·
Setup; "The Best Plan" is to identify what your dream rig is and then shop the market, aiming to get as close as you can. Some bits are relatively plentiful but others are rare and unique in any condition.
So, I am pretty sure i want what pretty much everyone else seems to be after, i.e. ultra high speed axles, step up/step down boxes, 20 spd transmissions, bigger better badder engine, etc. What I don't really know yet is what I am looking for regarding parts/ID numbers and such or where to find any of it. In the states, I have no problem with any of this because the architecture of our vehicles is such that I can throw anything from one vehicle on to another as I am doing with my VehiCROSS. With a Unimog, obviously that isn't possible because the entire design scheme is unique. So I am not even sure what can move back and forth between SBU, MBU, LBU models. Like can I mount SBU axles on an LBU like I would be able to on a conventional vehicle?

Bringing in trucks with cranes or pumps or road building equipment will save a bundle on tarrifs
My thoughts exactly!:wink

sometimes you can bring equipment in attached to your truck but destined for other people and have them chip in for shipping.
That, I didn't think of, and it is an excellent idea!

if your truck won't fit the can and can't ro-ro well its the only option.
I think with the cranes, it wouldn't even clear a high cube container.

Engines; in most mog cases engine hours are very important and the trucks past life can greatly effect what you end up buying. Being large and slop municiple and municiple like trucks they rack up far more hours than miles (km's) especially if they have a crane or a pump etc. The 352 and 366 are industrial duty engines and can & will live a very long time if maintained.
That is exactly what I am running into on several of these crane rigs I have checked out. One has only ~5K miles, but ~5,200 hours. So the good news is the drive train and cab ought to be in pretty good shape, but the engine is probably about due for a serious looking at. At least according to my speculations and assumptions, lol.

DokaTD sourced up some very cost effective rebuild options which can take some of the fear out of engines of unknown condition.
That is a very interpretive term. I will have to contact him(been meaning to anyways). That's actually how I found this forum. I was searching about importing and came across a thread where he seemed like he had looked into it pretty deeply regarding the DOT.

the medium trucks have medium or heavy axles and the heavy trucks have medium or heavy axles. 6 lug, 8 lug, 10 lug, 10 lug super heavy, different seat styles... best to identify your end state goal truck and then shop backwards
So looks like I will have to do a bit of homework regarding axle weight capacities. I would probably prefer to run the heaviest axles I can on a medium or heavy framed vehicle. I will likely be doing more towing with this than heavy hauling. It is one reason I like the crane trucks, they are already built and reinforced for moving tonnage around.




$50K (US) and shipping...
That's pretty close to what I was looking at. Price is a bit high(for me at least). The truck I wanted has since sold, but is was a 1997(I know) Doka with crane and bed similar to that one. They were asking ~$17K for it(plus shipping). Here is the expired listing. The picture has since been taken off, but through the magic of the internet, this is the truck that sold:




I am about to call today on a similar one:



The crane isn't as good, but it will do the job I think.




Welcome Ascinder, I think you'll find a happy home here with Unimogs - and great company as well.
Thanks! You guys(and any gals out there) seem like a great bunch! Hopefully I can be as much help someday as you have been to me.


Ascinder
Normally I would not post such a nice Mog to just anyone...but seeing what your DD is , I think you need all the help you can get.
Welcome to the world of Mogs
G Vavra

Haha, I originally bought that with the intent of making the bed removable and installing a semi-truck 5th wheel underneath to pull an excavator with. I was also looking into putting in a liftgate, but the damn bed is too high for conventional models and putting in a cargo van style gate would look really weird because the hydraulics would stick up too high. Let me tell you, loading 80 lb sacks of concrete into the rear is no picnic. Neither is getting in and out of the bed for that matter. Let's just say there's now a shortlist of things I am already planning for any potential 'Mog I end up with:wink



You want the U2450 version of this (U5000 shown, but same configuration available in U2150 and U2450):
That thing is a MEGA-beast! It's like a SEE's bigger, meaner brother! It would be ideal, but aren't the U-series from the later model line that we can't get(in the states) yet? I really need to hit up DokaTD. It seems like there is a lot of conflicting info out there regarding just exactly what we can and cannot get here in the states.

You'd have to import as a tractor though since it's a 2004
See I think that's where I could potentially run into issues. I think I would be able to clear customs, but the state DMV wouldn't know what to do with it if it wasn't imported as an on-road vehicle. I doubt they would buy off on a "constructed vehicle" title. I need to look a little deeper into that I guess. They are wishy washy and fickle about some things. Others, they don't bat an eyelash. They literally told me to just make up what my white truck (The Monstrucktus as I call it) was, and what it's GVWR was. So now it is officially 1 lb. under a semi classification but heavy enough to be smog/emissions exempt :devil

(filling out your profile helps us, help you)
Excellent point, I will get that knocked out immediately!


Okay, I need another vehicle like I need another hole in the head...how much for the little white truck?
For $17K it's all yours. I am in the middle of a bunch of work on it however. I just upgraded the alternator from an anemic 55 amps to 225. I am in the middle from going from two batteries to six. I am also in the middle of a several thousand dollar soundproofing and stereo installation. I was going to replace the sidesteps with cargo lockers-5 feet worth on each side, but haven't installed them yet. Also have a windshield visor and stainless window ventshades that need to be put on. The engine is a 10.4 liter turbocharged CAT V-8 with somewhere in the ballpark of 100K miles. Transmission is an EATON RT6610 10 speed with an air splitter. It can apparently be upgraded to an RTO (overdrive) for about $400. GVWR is actually rated at ~33K which is the max for these vehicles. Wheels are 11R24.5's. I work in Afghanistan on 90/30 rotations, so I get precious little time at home to work on it. I have been chipping away bit by bit, but it doesn't get driven as much as it deserves. Hopefully that is about to change within the next month here, we will see.
 

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#12 · (Edited)
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For $17K it's all yours. I am in the middle of a bunch of work on it however. I just upgraded the alternator from an anemic 55 amps to 225. I am in the middle from going from two batteries to six. I am also in the middle of a several thousand dollar soundproofing and stereo installation. I was going to replace the sidesteps with cargo lockers-5 feet worth on each side, but haven't installed them yet. Also have a windshield visor and stainless window ventshades that need to be put on. The engine is a 10.4 liter turbocharged CAT V-8 with somewhere in the ballpark of 100K miles. Transmission is an EATON RT6610 10 speed with an air splitter. It can apparently be upgraded to an RTO (overdrive) for about $400. GVWR is actually rated at ~33K which is the max for these vehicles. Wheels are 11R24.5's. I work in Afghanistan on 90/30 rotations, so I get precious little time at home to work on it. I have been chipping away bit by bit, but it doesn't get driven as much as it deserves. Hopefully that is about to change within the next month here, we will see.
Hmm, since you're thinking about a 5th wheel anyway, maybe we can work something out with my Pete 359?
But I have to sell its living quarters trailer first.
 
#11 ·
There's always these if you end up with an SBU/MBU with 6 bolt axles: Superfast Cruising Ratio Crownwheel and Pinion | Atkinson Vos

I'd want at least working gears though, for slower speed offroad.

Do note this:
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Just because you stick in an overdrive, or faster axles, or faster portal gears, combination of any and all, doesn't make it safer to go faster in a Unimog. Most people install those items to reduce RPM's at normal Unimog cruising speeds (less wear and tear, noise reduction in the cab). You are still limited by other safety factors (tires being one of the big ones, finding large, off road tires that are DOT rated for higher speeds in a Unimogs load range) and chassis oscillation, as well as others. If you want a fast truck (you said you're ok with normal slow mogs, so this is just a reminder) look at other means of transportation.

But if you want an no-compromise offroad, but can still get you site to site on highway at "decent" speeds and comfort, you've come to the right place.

Be wary of the term "fast axles", since "fast axles" in a 1988+newer Unimog with an OM366a just means they installed them from the factory to make up for the lower RPM of the OM366a in most configurations, and thus, top speed of a "fast axle" U1300 with OM366a would be the same as a regular axle U1300 with an OM352a.

Since it's 2017, and the 25yr rule if you want to bring it in as a truck, then that makes for....First registration of 1992 being the newest?

As for years, the "larger" 437 Series are as follows:
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The "medium" series:
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The 1350's and 1550's:
Text Font Orange Yellow Line
 
#13 ·
Ascinder, you can never read too much.....unless the wife is watching. There are numerous threads about folks wanting and then getting their special tool. The threads are really accurate with limitations and thorough discussions about "needs". Driving one or more is huge. I didn't but I'm an odd duck. I've been very satisfied with my Mog. If you are ever in Reno let me know, we'll go wheeling.

Warning though.......Terry Lane may of had a little pee come out during a Mogfest run. I still have indentations in my glovebox from his feet and memories of his prayer to Jesus. It seemed rather sincere. Of course it wasn't in his mog....
Chas
 
#14 ·
When you say "Heavy Towing" what do you mean?

A UNIMOG will tow, sure, but I think it would be good if you could elucidate further on your towing plans.

C.
 
#15 ·
When you say "Heavy Towing" what do you mean?

A UNIMOG will tow, sure, but I think it would be good if you could elucidate further on your towing plans.

C.
Well, my current rig, the Monstrucktus is a C7000 medium duty truck, so like a light semi. I was planning on towing a light excavator like a CAT 215 or similar. Likely gravel, road base, sand, etc. I also planned on pulling a log trailer (building my custom home soon) and possibly some slate and ledgestone, likely in a 28 ft. pup trailer. Maybe some hay bales as well. Probably after the SBU's I would imagine.
 
#20 ·
I was planning on towing a light excavator like a CAT 215 or similar. Likely gravel, road base, sand, etc. I also planned on pulling a log trailer (building my custom home soon) and possibly some slate and ledgestone, likely in a 28 ft. pup trailer. Maybe some hay bales as well. Probably after the SBU's I would imagine.
Hmm, I had 9 tons of gravel in my dumpbed trailer and that was noticeable in the Pete, which is a Class 8 tractor with 425 hp to the wheels, 1,800 ft.lbs. of torque, and an 18-speed.
My SEE is rated to pull 17,000 lbs., but I wouldn't try it on public roads. Are you sure you want to pull those heavier loads mentioned with a little Unimog?
 
#17 ·
Tmodler is going down the right road for towing. Towing 20-40k pounds would be really slow. I also think the short wheelbase...128 inches up to about 149 inches for the longer wheelbases...might be an issue. I tow 8-10k often but it is slow on the hills. They wallow more than "normal" rigs too. Some of the guys have put on aftermarket shocks that help.

We are just trying to let you know all of the good and bad before purchase. It really isn't bad to me, but, you don't always know what you don't know.
Chas
 
#18 ·
OK, that is good info, and Chas is spot on with some of the challenges you could face. Remember that the UNIMOG is often a compromise; a jack-of-all-trades is rarely also the specialist (there are exceptions, but generally).

May I enquire a little further and ask what other tasks you want to use the UNIMOG for? If you only want it for OTR and/or gravel road/farm towing, there could be other machine that would be more suitable to the task, without giving up too much "cool". A 1017 4x4 with the 170HP OM352a might be a consideration for example. Or a Tatra 813.

Now, if you want a UNIMOG because you have always wanted one (I had wanted one since I was 3, and others here similarly have dreamed of having a rolling German money disposal system since a similarly young age), well then by god, son, do it... :)

C.
 
#19 ·
Forgot to add. I would be prepared for 15MPH or less on almost any hills with any stock UNIMOG that meets the 25 yr rule. If you wait a few years, there will be more choices with more motor soon (not saying you should, just info.)

Now, you can hot rod the motor (UNIMOGs have lots of implements, in this case the Marksmakesgonesofast will amaze you), and that will get you up to a solid 22-23 mph on the same hills...

C.
 
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#22 ·
There are numerous threads about folks wanting and then getting their special tool. The threads are really accurate with limitations and thorough discussions about "needs".
That's the problem! There's so much info to take in and it seems like each one of these is special/unique. Keeping track of all the particulars and then trying to figure out info on less than detailed for sale listings is a test of patience. For me, I know exactly what I want, but finding something configured as such or configuring it myself is where I am running into snags.

Warning though.......Terry Lane may of had a little pee come out during a Mogfest run. I still have indentations in my glovebox from his feet and memories of his prayer to Jesus. It seemed rather sincere. Of course it wasn't in his mog....
No worries there. My wife was chastising me for weeks coming down a rock face at Moab in the VX while eating a cookie and "not paying enough attention". I'm a lot more easygoing than most people when it comes to trailwork. My old boss was caught saying "Bet you never do stuff like THIS in your VehiCROSS." while we taking some HMMWV's through an offroad driving course put on by the SEALS out in Hawthorne. I replied with yeah, because we do this to get to the trails that I go to, hahaha.


a little more than 50k$ but....

http://suchen.mobile.de/lkw-inserat/..._Nutzfahrzeuge

Unimog U 4000 437/177 PS Doka mit Palfinger Kran Gebrauchtfahrzeug Lkw - neue und gebrauchte Lkw bei motoso.de (191252382)

Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 4000 437/177 PS Doka mit Palfinger Kran als Pritsche in Würzburg

if you want an overview of german market:
https://www.google.de/?gws_rd=ssl#q=...+kran+kaufen&*
I appreciate the info, but our mogs have to be over 25 years old to come into the states(from my understanding) I will keep taking a look at the sites you posted though. Plenty of good info in them. Thanks!

Tmodler is going down the right road for towing. Towing 20-40k pounds would be really slow. I also think the short wheelbase...128 inches up to about 149 inches for the longer wheelbases...might be an issue. I tow 8-10k often but it is slow on the hills. They wallow more than "normal" rigs too. Some of the guys have put on aftermarket shocks that help.
Well, the excavator would be a one way trip from wherever I buy it (likely in the south/southeast), to western Montana. That trip would likely be long and ponderous. That being said, I am in no hurry. I'm just doing this for myself on my own timeline. No overhead to fight or deadlines to meet. I think the wheelbase should be OK. Just eyeballing it, they look to be similar to the Monstrucktus or any of the semi's I used to drive for UPS. Aftermarket shocks wouldn't hurt. If they are less than the price of a dedicated heavy haul rig, they're worth it.

We are just trying to let you know all of the good and bad before purchase. It really isn't bad to me, but, you don't always know what you don't know.
By all means, it is greatly appreciated. I know some things, but admittedly not a thing about Unimogs. My perspective is based on my similarly sized vehicle. The basis of interest for a Unimog was just that it had two things I had been looking for to add to the Monstrucktus, namely a crane and 4WD. As long as most of the related specs are the same, I'm in.

OK, that is good info, and Chas is spot on with some of the challenges you could face. Remember that the UNIMOG is often a compromise; a jack-of-all-trades is rarely also the specialist (there are exceptions, but generally).

May I enquire a little further and ask what other tasks you want to use the UNIMOG for? If you only want it for OTR and/or gravel road/farm towing, there could be other machine that would be more suitable to the task, without giving up too much "cool". A 1017 4x4 with the 170HP OM352a might be a consideration for example. Or a Tatra 813.

Now, if you want a UNIMOG because you have always wanted one (I had wanted one since I was 3, and others here similarly have dreamed of having a rolling German money disposal system since a similarly young age), well then by god, son, do it...
So I think a indicated a little bit of what I was after just above, but here's the overall greater scheme of things and a bit more backstory (bear with me, I ramble). The overall plan is to build my custom home on a large acreage property in western Montana. To that end, I have been contracting in Iraq/Afghanistan beginning in 2011. I almost have enough for the land and the idea is to sell my house here (which is paid off) and use that to fund the building of the custom home. I am really into alternative/innovating/energy efficient houses and so my place is going to be unconventional at best. I am designing the property around permaculture, with a lot of design elements from Sepp Holzer (google either one to find plenty of examples). That being said, there is a lot of earth moving and general farm type work which I think a Unimog would be ideal for. We are also (very likely) going to be offgrid and fairly remote, so plenty of self sufficiency will be had in the maintenance and plowing of roads, not to mention regular 'ol farm style work-a place where a half tractor, half truck would likely excel. I originally planned on going a lot heavier with the excavators because you can pick up a CAT 245 for not a whole lot more than a 215, 225, or 235. The 245 weighs in at 134,000 lbs. I was looking at buying one of these to haul it:





The cost is similar to a Unimog on the surplus/auction market. The problem is that they are a bit of a one trick pony. Heavy as hell, plenty of permits required, trailers for that weight are damnably expensive, just really more trouble than it would be worth (to me at least). So I started looking elsewhere. I actually just stumbled across the Monstrucktus on accident and decided it fit the new "lite" plan. I hadn't even had an inkling of a Unimog yet. I knew they existed, but had only really known them to be niche/expensive offroad rigs. The Unimog interest came about when I was looking for Land Rover Defender 110's and 130's in South Africa. We had Defender quad cab trucks in Iraq and they were great. I currently own an extended cab Dodge Dakota and the Defender seemed like a decent upgrade in the seating department. When I was looking for Land Rovers, I happened across a 416 Doka for sale with extremely low miles. That's when I started exploring 'mogs. They seemed every bit as capable and reliable as a Defender, but had a better range of gearing and seemed a bit more stout. The Unimog also had all the implements that would prove invaluable for the aspiring homesteader. So, that's how we got to here, lol. Sorry for the longwinded diatribe.

Forgot to add. I would be prepared for 15MPH or less on almost any hills with any stock UNIMOG that meets the 25 yr rule. If you wait a few years, there will be more choices with more motor soon (not saying you should, just info.)

Now, you can hot rod the motor (UNIMOGs have lots of implements, in this case the Marksmakesgonesofast will amaze you), and that will get you up to a solid 22-23 mph on the same hills...
Lol, I've pulled doubles over Donner pass in winter weather at that speed plenty of times.


Hmm, I had 9 tons of gravel in my dumpbed trailer and that was noticeable in the Pete, which is a Class 8 tractor with 425 hp to the wheels, 1,800 ft.lbs. of torque, and an 18-speed.
My SEE is rated to pull 17,000 lbs., but I wouldn't try it on public roads. Are you sure you want to pull those heavier loads mentioned with a little Unimog?
Well I guess it depends on the Unimog. I don't know that much, but I figured the tow capacity on a 406 is different than a U2450 or a U500. I would likely be pulling the really heavy loads a mere handful of times, mainly across largely flat expanses. The offroad type stuff would be more just hauling logs and rocks along fire roads and to my build site. Since I am not in a terrible hurry, I can lighten the loads if/when needed.

I agree with all the above (towing isn't fast. At all.) but it can be done:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/unim...heavy-sbu.html
That's all I need :grin

But there are much better tools for that
But is there a better tool that does that and everything else a Unimog does.......:wink
 

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#24 ·
Well, the excavator would be a one way trip from wherever I buy it (likely in the south/southeast), to western Montana. That trip would likely be long and ponderous.

My perspective is based on my similarly sized vehicle. The basis of interest for a Unimog was just that it had two things I had been looking for to add to the Monstrucktus, namely a crane and 4WD. As long as most of the related specs are the same, I'm in.

Sounds like what you could use is a SEE, and the forklift and crane attachments off of an HMMH. That would leave something for the heavier towing. If you want an 8-wheeler, a friend of mine has a nice one for sale, already registered, I think, but I'd let someone else do that one time transport if I were you.
 
#26 ·
Rather than piling all the gold on one number, maybe:

A 50hp tactor with loader, hoe, and whatever.

A F550 4x4

and

A 404/406/U1300L for offroad fun and utility duty

UNIMOGs can do anything, sure. But it sucks when you have to wait 2 weeks to finish a project (or worse), because the $50 part you need is in stuck in customs...

Just my $0.017...

C.
 
#28 ·
I have a dear friend who questions how much rolling stock one man needs. I tell her I am on a quest to figure that out (though I have very few machines compared to many).

C.
 
#30 ·
Excellent point.

C.
 
#31 ·
Get this book, it is in german laguage, i know, but the picts and the Charts will tell you a lot.
There is no better register book about Mogs!
Going to place a copy on order today, thanks!

Sounds like what you could use is a SEE, and the forklift and crane attachments off of an HMMH. That would leave something for the heavier towing. If you want an 8-wheeler, a friend of mine has a nice one for sale, already registered, I think, but I'd let someone else do that one time transport if I were you.
I think a SEE might be a little small for the scope of work I am going to tackle. I have a LOT of excavating to do.

Why do you say that about the transport though? All the required permitting? I have had a CDL for awhile and ran doubles and triples for years. I can't see a weighted single being a huge problem.

If you could get away with a single cab...that opens up a LOT of possibilities.
Honestly, I have been looking at those and there are plenty of good deals out there on them. With the rarity of a Doka, especially with a crane and the associated cost, I am trying to keep my options open. I contacted the sellers of that red/white/blue Doka crane listed in post #10. They wanted $33,784 for it when the orange one I posted above it, which was 16 years younger went for ~$17K. Then there's these:

This one is 27 years younger with a more powerful engine and ~$3K less, no crane, but come on?!:
https://www.machinio.com/listings/15092410-2008-unimog-u-4000-doka-pritsche-in-salzgitter-germany

This one is 8 years younger and has the heavier 10 lug axles and ~$5K less:
https://www.machinio.com/listings/13625958-1989-unimog-1750-l-pk-28000-wsk-kuplung-doka-in-baden-baden-germany

This one isn't in as good of shape and has lighter 6 lug axles, but is 19 years younger and is ~$14K less:
https://www.machinio.com/listings/15092406-2000-unimog-u-1450-l-doka-fassi-kran-in-salzgitter-germany

This one is only ~$3K more and is heavier specced and 14 years younger:
Mercedes UNIMOG 1850L DOKA Unimog of 1995 for sale - MachineryZone


I guess where I am going with this is that I just don't see how there are so many outliers with pricing. Some places really have their heads in the clouds regarding what they charge. I know I can't import most of those I listed, but is there an artificial premium going on once the magic 25 year mark is exceeded?

Rather than piling all the gold on one number, maybe:

A 50hp tactor with loader, hoe, and whatever.

A F550 4x4

and

A 404/406/U1300L for offroad fun and utility duty

UNIMOGs can do anything, sure. But it sucks when you have to wait 2 weeks to finish a project (or worse), because the $50 part you need is in stuck in customs...

Just my $0.017...
Well, that was the original plan (except for the Ford junk :twak:), lol, and I do see what you mean with the parts availability. However, as The FLU Farm mentioned, lots and lots of upkeep. I currently have 4 trucks, 4 Jeep/SUV's, 3 trailers, and 3 motorcycles. Not as many as some, but I'm definitely trying to get those numbers down. Chasing all the maintenance/upkeep, especially when I am only home 25% of the time, is a complete pain. I dream of 2 or 3 vehicles to worry about. If necessary, I would stockpile likely wear parts and maybe even a spare powertrain. I probably won't ever get down to that, but I am trying. I keep reminding myself that I have to move all this stuff, hehehe.
 
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I think a SEE might be a little small for the scope of work I am going to tackle. I have a LOT of excavating to do.
In that case, you will find that there is no UNIMOG based solution that can meet your needs. Again, a compromise. Sounds like you need to rent an excavator.




Honestly, I have been looking at those and there are plenty of good deals out there on them....

I guess where I am going with this is that I just don't see how there are so many outliers with pricing.
Well used UNIMOGs sell for lower prices than nice ones. There are plenty of machines listed for $100K plus that are not much better or worse thn the ones you posted. There are also machines listed for $45K that smoke them. Asking prices are always all over the map, suggest focussing on sale prices. All the trucks you listed there are high mile, high hr machines.

Again, not trying to discourage you from UNIMOG ownership, but we see a lot of people with delusions of UNIMOG Grandeur.

I think if you make sure you understand and can live with the capability and limitations of them as earthmovers (there is a reason excavators, backhoes, and dozers do not have flexy suspension), resolve if you want a Trucktor or a Tracktor, and focus on condition and hours you will find a happy place with your new machine.

C.
 
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